Today I remember Michael Fleming. He was full of grace, courage, joy and maturity.
In my time with him, I was taught that every person is of value, every day is new, and if you love things you make time for them:
I remember when he took a 4 hour bus ride to downtown Toronto just to see me sing at the (now-closed) Savannah Room. It was my first show in a while.
I remember how Mike made us stay to see all of the acts (there were four that followed) until Caro, Mike, my Dad and I were the only people left in the audience.
The last performer was an elderly balding man who played classical guitar.
I remember how I wanted to get home and relax- was ready to leave after my set; but Mike sat with his chin in his hand, leaning against the table, making that man playing the guitar feel like his music mattered more than anything else.
And when he stopped playing, Mike went to shake his hand and ask about CDs. You could tell that this guy was used to being ignored, that Mike had somehow seen him and it made a difference.
That night we all ate lasagna sitting on the kitchen counter and I was excited for our new friendship and for the winter that lay ahead.
And even though that is my last memory and it’s personal, I’m sharing in the hope that it will inspire you to be more like Mike.
To celebrate life, and to live with grace and respect. To treat every person with the knowledge that they are a soul worth valuing, and to make time for what matters.
And to laugh.
